It’s a subject many people may feel uncomfortable reading about.
Some reading this might think it’s something extreme or, to put it delicately, extremely niche.
But the intimate act, anal sex, is more likely to result in an orgasm for men than for women when receiving it, a new study has suggested.
US scientists who surveyed 1,000 lovers on their experience of being the recipient of it, found males were far more likely to report climaxing from anal sex alone compared to women.
They also found women were twice as likely than men to report never having orgasmed from anal sex, regardless of whether other stimulation was involved.
According to the study, published in the journal Sexual Medicine, to orgasm through anal sex, nearly half of women reported needing co-stimulation elsewhere on the body.
For both sexes, the area closest to the opening of the rectum was most frequently associated with pleasure.
In men, this area runs directly over the prostate, a small gland often dubbed the male G-spot.
Researchers found that men are more likely to climax from anal stimulation alone than women, building on previous research that suggests men experience more orgasms than women
The study found that the superficial anterior region of the rectum was commonly associated with the most pleasure
The prostate is located inside the body, between the base of the penis and the rectum—the passage that leads to the anus.
The gland is extremely sensitive to pressure, which can generate sexual pleasure, pointing to why men are more likely to orgasm from anal sex than women.
Whilst the exact mechanisms are unclear, it is thought that an orgasm may activate the nerves attached to the prostate, resulting in sexual pleasure.
Professor Michael Zaliznyak, an expert in urology at the University of California and lead study author, also offered an alternative explanation for these findings, the pudendal nerve.
This is one of the main nerves in the pelvis and is crucial for sensation and function in the pelvic region, including the anus and genitals.
It is also responsible for providing sensory about touch and pleasure to the penis, vagina, and anus.
Researchers also noted that the experience of orgasm is heavily influenced by the brain—as well as self-confidence, desire and sexual experience.
But, Professor Zaliznyak said, it’s not all about sexual pleasure.
All participants were over the age of 18, and indicated that they had previously engaged in sexual activities. Participants involved in the study identified as either heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual or asexual
The researchers found that females between the ages of 20 and 59 who had sex less than once a week were at a 70 per cent increased risk of death within five years
‘Our findings suggest that the rectum may be made up of distinct zones, each of which can uniquely result in various levels of sensation to different people,’ he said.
The researchers hope that their findings can help guide patient consultations when discussing medical procedures, such as surgery, which can significantly alter the anatomy of the rectum.
The research also comes amid concern about a global sex crisis — or rather, lack of sex crisis.
One recent survey revealed more than a quarter (27 per cent) of Britons are now having less sex than they used to, with one in six admitting they haven’t got frisky the entire year.
According to a Royal College of Occupational Therapists poll of 2,000 adults last year, men and women typically have sex 46 times a year — once every eight days.
But some have far less frequent amorous activity, with a tenth reported having sex less than once a year.
Earlier this week, researchers at the University of Manchester, also revealed women who have sex at least once a week are the happiest in their relationships.
Their study showed that 85 per cent of women who had sex once a week described themselves as ‘sexually satisfied’.
In contrast, only 17 per cent of women who had sex less than once a month reported the same level of relationship bliss.
Sex and intimacy have been linked to several health benefits, including improving the condition of your heart, reducing stress and even boosting mental health.
